Demco/SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System

With DUO, brake lights and deceleration are required so false or unwanted activations are eliminated. In addition, with two signals necessary to activate, there is no need for the delay technology found in all the box brakes.
Item # 81785
Special Order Item No
Ships LTL Freight No
Return Policy 30 Days (After Delivery)
5+ In Stock

Description / Demco/SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System

The Stay-IN-Play DUO is truly an improvement in towed vehicle brake systems. Simple to control, easier to use, and the smallest actuator in the industry. Number one choice for gas powered rigs. The Stay-IN-Play DUO supplemental-braking system is installed so there is no set up required for towing your vehicle. To get ready to tow you simply turn it on; that’s all. Turn it on... and tow. The DUO energizes the towed vehicles power brakes so it is gentle and consistent.

No more boxes! That is the cry of our customers. The Stay-IN-Play DUO answers the cry. Duo's small operating unit is installed under the hood so you never know it is there. No messy components scattered in the towed vehicle to complicate things; just a small operating module to control the towed vehicle brakes with no physical connection to the motorhome.

DUO combines the power of air pressure and the gentleness of vacuum to give you the fastest most powerful self contained supplemental brake ever. Duo uses the power and speed of air pressure to activate your towed vehicle brake pedal while creating vacuum for the power brake system. These two features combine to create the only progressive and proportionate vacuum assisted system with total control. Duo requires BOTH deceleration AND coach brake lights to apply the towed vehicle brakes. By combining two separate signals the need for complicated electronics is eliminated, which provides you a more reliable long lasting system. In addition, DUO is the pioneer in user friendly operation; "Just Turn it on...and Tow." This simple technology was first introduced in 2003. Tried and true, DUO does not have to be taken in and out for normal operation of the towed vehicle. Unhook the car and drive off, thats all. No box, no wires, in fact, no physical connection to the motorhome at all.

The Stay-IN-Play DUO system energizes the towed vehicle’s power brakes without the engine running, so you have a soft brake pedal. Once engaged, DUO replenishes the vacuum in the car's power brake system. By replenishing vacuum, gentle smooth pressure is applied to the towed vehicle’s brakes. With the power brakes active, only 10 - 12 pounds of pressure is required to provide a gentle smooth stop.

Activation of the towed vehicle's brakes require BOTH deceleration and the brake lights from the motorhome. Once BOTH signals are present, DUO gently applies the brakes. There is no complicated gain or sensitivity to achieve the proportionate balance of brake effort, it is all automatic. Automatically, once engaged, DUO will apply progressive brake effort in the towed vehicle. Because DUO uses both brake lights from the coach and deceleration, there is absolutely no delay. This becomes critical in a panic stop. Systems that use only deceleration must "think" first, is this a step grade, is this a large bump, or is this stopping? Time translates to feet while towing and in a panic stop, inches are important. No self contained system applies brakes faster than the DUO.

"Coach Notification" is another important aspect of any supplemental brake system. Some claim to have it, but really do not; while others do not really tell you about the position of the brake pedal in the towed vehicle. Without question, the most improtant information while towing is the status of the braking system in the towed vehicle. "Are the brakes applied?" That is the question. When researching brake systems, ask the question, "Do you have coach notification FROM THE TOWED VEHICLES BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH?" Many will claim to have a signal but do not, and others will have a signal from some other source. The only reliable and complete signal must originate from the towed-vehicle's brake switch. If the light is on, the brakes are on, period. What you do not want is a problem while you are towing. Knowing the position of the brake pedal gives you that peace of mind.

Simple on/off towing, the gentleness of vacuum, the speed and power of air pressure, dual signal activation, and reliable coach notification all combine to provide the most powerful easy to use system available today.

DUO is the next generation supplemental brake system.
Introduced in 2003, the Stay-IN-Play experiences great reviews from customers and dealers alike. Dealers rave because of the ease of installation and the lack of returns from dissatisfied customers. Customers love it because it performs day in and day out. DUO takes the Stay-IN-Play to a new level.

We call it DUO because two is better than one. First and foremost, DUO uses both air pressure and vacuum. Vacuum is created to energize the towed vehicle’s power brakes and the air pressure to apply them. Secondly, DUO requires two separate signals to activate the towed vehicle brakes. Using two activation signals is the best method for eliminating complicated electronics and control unwanted or unnecessary activation of the towed vehicle brakes. By combining the brake’s of the coach with deceleration, you have better control of the system rather than the system controlling you. We also believe that simplified electronics and fewer mechanical parts will provide you a better foundation and last longer.

Another key difference in the DUO is the Coach Notification System. There is only one way to obtain reliable information about the towed vehicle’s brakes and we believe this to be through the towed-vehicle’s brake light switch. Many will argue that there is another way; that there is a better way, but if you think it through, you will agree, the brake light switch eliminates the question.

One has to wonder, how many systems today are really easy to use? Many claims are made in advertising literature but is brand X really easy to use or do they just want you to think it is. DUO is REALLY easy to use, just turn it on. We make no inflated claims. You do have a two to three-hour install, just once. This is the DUO difference, install once and always ready. That is easy.

If you have any specific questions or would like to know more information please contact the SMI Manufacturing 24/7 technical support team at: 1-800-893-3763.

More Information

Item # 81785
Brand Demco
Model 9599006
Replaces 99251
Fits Stay-IN-Play DUO will work for both gas and diesel coaches without air brakes.
Features Hidden installation under the hood of the tow car
"Panic Stop Braking" - only Demco brings you additional stopping effort in a panic
"Zero" set up for towing - the Stay-IN-Play DUO is always ready to tow
The Stay-IN-Play DUO creates a vacuum to provide a totally reliable and consistent brake application
Included (1) Stay-In-Play DUO Operating Unit (Part # 6242)
(1) G Force Controller Kit (Part # 6258)
(1) Breakaway Cable Kit (Part # 6211)
(1) Coach Notification Kit (Part # 6213)
(1) Stay-In-Play DUO Air Cylinder Kit (Part # 6215)
Hardware/Small Parts Kit (Part # 6255)
Warranty Limited 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty (Must register Demco product for warranty within 30 days of purchase)
Special Order Item No
Return Policy 30 Days (After Delivery)
UPC 866723000020
LTL Freight No

Product Attachments

Customer Reviews

Quality
Value
Price
Operation is really BAD, installation is ok
Review by Steph
I am very deceived and feel I have bee fooled by the false affirmation. I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS PRODUCT.
This system is nothing but proportional. All proportional wording should be removed. It's actually an on-off system. When braking light is on and the tilt sensor is on the pump is on at full pressure pressing the brake until it bottoms out, period. The pump inlet creates a vacuum for the brake booster and the pump outlet is for the cylinder pressing the brake. All triggered by a simple switch. Nothing is regulated or proportionally controlled. Totally false information is provided here. Unfortunately the initial concept is good, but lacking the extra electronic pressure regulator and electronic control.
I had to set the accelerometer switch so the system ONLY TURNS ON in the event of an emergency.
The components are really a std small12V pump, two switches, metal box, some hoses and a relay. Nothing that is worth that kind of money !
Price
Value
Quality
Do your research it is the best system out there
Review by T Chellis
I have to say I am very pleased with the SMI-DUO brake system. I did the research and you cannot beat this system for ease of operation. This system takes some time to install but with the very clear instructions and the video it goes together very well. I love it when you put it all to together and it works great the first time
Price
Value
Quality
Not ideal
Review by Gary
I installed this myself on a Jeep TJ. The sensetivity of the braking actually changes going down hill. I pulled the Jeep 1100 miles and it was set up as described in the instructions.
The unit applies the brakes under 20 mph despite the information provided in the operations manual.
Also, the sensitivity changes going downhill. I went down a series of 7% grades and the toad brakes didn't apply until I nearly stood on the RV brakes.
I readjusted the sensitivity to be more acceptable downhill, and then I found the toad brakes were applying with the RV turn signals.....Definately not good.
I just got off the phone with the factory and their suggestion was to readjust eveytime I encountered a downgrade....Definately not convenient, and just live with the brakes coming on with the turn signals until out of the mountains.....huh??
I was going to buy a 2nd unit for my other toad, a 2014 CRV, but I think I'll just go without on the 2nd vehicle. I'm gonna set the sensitivity so it doesn't come on with turn signals, and know that I'll have to jamb on the brakes downhill for any kind of help from the toad.(downhill is when you need the most help from your supplemental braking system).
Bottom line:
I'm legal. But I'm not gonna brag about how this system works.
Quality
Price
Value
works as stated
Review by srk9dude
Installed in driveway on a 2012 Jeep Liberty. Works well and Dyers had it at my residents in 3 days. Easy to install and hook up. When connecting to tow, tow bars. safety chains, break- a-way cable and brake light cable and your ready to go. I installed a LED light on dash of MH so I can see when the toad brakes are on.
Price
Value
Quality
Compact and well worth the investment
Review by Venton
I installed this unit in a 2001 Nissan Frontier pickup. The most difficult chore was deciding where to locate the under hood power unit. The control box had to be placed on the doorpost behind the driver seat due to limited space on left kick panel. I especially appreciate the deactivation of the breakaway switch when the unit is switched off. The only issue was a defective breakaway switch in the kit but I did not contact SMI service because I had a new one on hand already. I would appreciate at least a wireless monitor for inside the motorhome to sense when the toad brakes are activated. The system available for purchase is very pricey. I expect a long service life for this unit.
Quality
Price
Value
Great Unit Easy install
Review by Ray
Installed this in a 2004 Wrangler. Neatly tucks away in the engine compartment ,wouldn't even know it there. Simple to put in use with a flick of a switch as well as take off line to drive the Toad. No problems with install however all reviews I have seen, agree customer service is Great. Hopefully i never need to find out! Only time will tell. Keep in mind you do need to order a few other parts to do a complete install. Wiring harness for tail lights and blinkers. For this 2004 Wrangler a isolation relay was needed to prevent brake lights from being powered by the Toad when the break pedal is depressed.
Price
Value
Quality
works great
Review by rmblaster
This my second one I have bought i had installed one on my 2008 Jeep wrangler now have one on my 2014 Jeep wrangler very easy to install , simple to use when ready to tow just flip a switch , great customer service if you have an issue they are there to help
Quality
Price
Value
Works well, can feel the load come off truck brake system
Review by SRW
System works well. Had one leaking air fitting inside box coming off of compressor. Called SMI and they sent new fitting out right away. Their customer service was great. I don't have a camera on my camper so I took the extra time and routed the indicator light to the dash of my truck. It did take some time to figure out where to put the compressor box but once I figured that out the rest was straight forward. Good set of instructions and DVD.
Price
Value
Quality
Great functionality for price
Review by Mal
After previously owning a portable brake unit that had to be physically installed each time towed, the Stay-in-Play is much easier to use. The former system never seemed to work effectively and sometimes hung-up requring a stop to turn it off. I installed the Stay-in-Play which required 3-4 hours and "engineering" a mounting position under the hood. Having only been on one trip with the unit it seems to be working great.
Quality
Price
Value
Works well as I expected
Review by Bikin' Bob
We've used several towed vehicle braking systems over the years and like this one the best. The best thing is that there is no big box for which to find a place in our Honda Fit. But, when the system engages, we are unable to see the braking indicator light on the towed vehicle dashboard. We wish SMI had a built-in RF transmitter with a receiver for the coach to remote that indicator. However, we are very pleased with the system operation and expect many mile of good service.

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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.